2004 612 Scaglietti

Despite controversial styling, the 612’s performance is Formula One: It reaches 60 mph in just over four seconds and tops out at 199 mph

by Steve Ahlgrim

In naming its new four-seater Granturismo after Carrozzeria Scaglietti, Ferrari acknowledged the immense contribution made by its collaborator in the past 50 years. Founded by Sergio Scaglietti in 1951 and now a wholly owned subsidiary, the company has created many of Ferrari’s most memorable cars. The 612’s brief called for a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort—rather than being merely a “2+2”—without sacrificing the superlative driving dynamics expected by dedicated Ferraristi. The 612 Scaglietti affords increased rear-seat knee room, almost three inches more headroom, and greater luggage space than its 456M forebear. Meeting this requirement, which involved moving the engine back, could only be achieved by means of an extended wheelbase, hence the generous stretch. In styling the 612, Pininfarina paid homage to one of its most famous past creations—the fabulous 375MM commissioned by Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini for his wife, Ingrid...